From right, Sally Matthews and Elise Briggs, Robyn Dixon and Angela Szeitli from the CWA Twilight group who prepared a fantastic spread enjoyed by all the guests at the book launch.
Anne Oswin told the crowd of the inspiration behind “Once upon an island”, a collection of stories from Phillip Island’s history.
Anne Oswin told the crowd of the inspiration behind “Once upon an island”, a collection of stories from Phillip Island’s history.
Several schools attended the launch, including Library manager Julie Anne Trease and Year 9 student Kelly from Bass Coast College’s San Remo campus.
Island historian Christine Grayden and John Eddy. Christine officially launched the book.
The display at the launch of “Once upon an island” at St John’s Uniting Church.
Newhaven College Head of Library Sheila Johns with Year 6 students Bonnie McBride and Abbey Simpson.
Cowes Primary students Rhys, Lucian, Isla and Eden with teacher Cath Huther.
Jane and David Jobe speak with Christine Grayden who contributed to the book’s content and launched the book with a PowerPoint presentation and recorded speech.
Ron Day was one of the lucky door prize winners – presented with his book by the Advertiser’s Ellen Cheeseman.
The schools that attended the launch were all presented with copies of the book for the school library. Kelly from Bass Coast College with the Advertiser’s Eleanor McKay.
Bonnie McBride and Abbey Simpson from Newhaven College, chat with Christine Grayden after the formalities ended at the book launch.
Have you ever wondered why the main street of Cowes is called Thompson Avenue, or just when motorsport became part of the local culture?
The answers to these questions and more can be found in “Once upon an island”, a collection of 39 stories that chart the history of Phillip Island from 1868.
The book was officially launched last Friday at St John’s Uniting Church and hall, with approximately 80 people in attendance, including Bass Coast Mayor Cr Michael Whelan, Island Ward councillor David Rooks and members of many local community groups.
Students and teachers from three local schools also attended, and were presented with copies of the book for the school library.
The driving force behind the book, Anne Oswin explained to the crowd the stories were originally conceived and published by the Advertiser in 2018 as part of the celebrations to mark 150 years of European settlement.
Many were based on articles and interviews in the paper over the years. Some were first person accounts of local events; others were put together from historical records and documented key events.
Anne said the response to the series at the time was overwhelming and so it was decided to compile the stories into a book.
“Can you imagine arriving here back in 1868. Not a house, nor road. No ferry, schools, not a shop or a doctor, when the island first settlers stepped ashore.
“They were an intrepid bunch, and hopefully we’ve done them justice, and those that followed. There are so many incredible stories.”
Mentioning stories from the book, including Melbourne Cup winner Wollomai, famous historian Manning Clarke, and Phillip Island opening the state’s first Bush Nursing Hospital, Anne noted that “Phillip Island, with its tiny population, has always punched way above its weight.”
The book was officially launched by local island historian Christine Grayden, and after the formalities, the crowd adjourned to the church hall, where the CWA Twilight Group had prepared a magnificent afternoon tea.
“Once upon an island” is the second book from Chicory Publishing, the publishing arm of the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser. It follows on from the sold-out success of “Over the Bridge” – a coffee table cookbook that celebrated the farmers and chefs of Phillip Island and Bass Coast, released in 2021.
“Once upon an island” is on sale at the Advertiser, Turn the Page, select local stores and Bass Coast Visitor Information Centres. It can also be purchased online at pisra.com.au/once-upon-an-island.
